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Bournemouth bookkeepers

  • 29 posts
  • # 114125

Hi all, obviously i am new here and just starting my journey with the ICB. 

My intention is to realise a lifelong dream and work for myself, albeit small and slow at first.

I am wondering if there are any others like me out there, preferably in the Bournemouth, Dorset area starting out that could/want a Study Buddy. 

I keep presenting assignments which i think are spot on, but in reality are missing crucial bits or the figures are in the wrong place etc.

It would be nice to share that with someone who can point out my glaring errors and stop me from embarrassing myself yet again.

If not, it would be nice to hear from those folks who have completed their journey or are almost at an end, with any and all advice for a novice like me.

I look forward to being a part of the ICB and to hearing from you.

Kindest regards

Steve



Edited at 16 Nov 2016 02:16 PM GMT

  • Fellow
  • 18 posts
  • # 114144

Hi Steve,

I'm just outside Dorchester and work in Wimborne so not far from you.  I become a member last year and am currently studying the self assessment tax module so might be able to assist with your studying even though I'm not doing the courses you are.  I assume your self-studying which can be difficult if you haven't had much expeience of it in work or education before, I self studied up to membership level so can appreciate how frsutrating it is when you can't work out what you've done wrong.  I swappd to a provider for studying SAT as it's more complex and something i've not done before, i've certainly been getting my money's worth out of the tutor.

Let me know if I can give you a hand with anything though as i'm more than willing to help a fellow bookkeeper in Dorset, we are rather thin on the ground down here!

Regards,

Dale

  • 29 posts
  • # 114174

Hi Dale, thanks for getting in touch. You're re right it is hard. I have completed most of my assignments, with varying degrees of success,.

ass 1 and 2 100%, ass 3 89%, ass 4 95% and ass 5 93%. Ass 6 just gone in for marking.

I get to study at work as i am the boss, so i can spend as much time as i like on it. My aim is to work for myself rather than a big corporation, so i am working towards that.

I have my mock B1 and B2 papers from Ideal Schools, just working my way through B1. Not sure i will pass this one though, i am still a bit wet behind the ears.

Good to know there is a fellow bookkeeper in these parts, hope to chat again soon.

Kind regards

Steve



Edited at 24 Nov 2016 02:34 PM GMT

  • Fellow
  • 18 posts
  • # 114185

Hi Steve,

Glad you'r egetting on with it!  let me know if you have any questions I can help with.

Regards,

Dale

  • 29 posts
  • # 114217

Hi Dale, could you help me with something, I am just doing my mock B1 from Ideal schools, and wonder what would invalidate an invoice from the following?

Supplier Address

Customer Address

Type Of Document

VAT number

Date

List Price of goods

Trade discount

Net goods

VAT

Invoice total

 

Appreciate the help.

 

Kind regards

Steve

  • 21 posts
  • # 114253

Hi Steve

 

I am also a fellow student from Bournemouth!  Just about to take Level 3 BA4.   Like you , I have always wanted to work for myself and having being made redundant recently I thought this is my opportunity to try and make it happen.  Its so daunting as there are a lot of bookkeepers out there.  But I keep being told that there are also a lot of people needing a bookkeeper ( if only they knew they needed a bookkeeper haha!) . 

 

Not sure quite what you mean in your question but a lack of a VAT number would invalidate an invoice charging VAT.

Hope this helped if you haven't already got the answer.

 

Leisa 

 

 

  • 29 posts
  • # 114254

Hi Leisa, nice to meet you, you are a fair bit further along than i am. I appreciate your help with my last question, thank you.

I am still working full time but hopefully one day in the future....

How about you, are you working for yourself, do you have many clients? It would appear that by your comments, there are not many clients out there, have you found this to be true?

Good to know ther are other bookkeepers in Bournemouth.

Hopefully speak again soon, take care and thanks again.

Regards

Steve

  • 21 posts
  • # 114255

Hi Steve

I have been doing accounts ( employed )  for over 20 years and have, a long time ago, done AAT and 3 stages of CIMA (never quite completed this unfortunately).

I am still working at the same company I took redundancy from for 3 days a week but on a self employed basis... which is very fortunate for me as I am spending the other couple of days studying.  The reason I'm doing the ICB exams is because I felt I needed to refresh my knowledge if I wanted to become self employed.   I haven't even tried to find clients yet until I have finished level 3.  ( I presume you need a practice licence anyway which you can't get until you have completed level 3).   I am thinking that the best route would be to approach accountants and see if they can offer any work. 

I am determined to make it work though and cannot wait to finish all the exams.  I have signed up for everything ! Advanced accounting and self assessments and payroll! Having paid for it I have to do it now !

Speak soon 

Leisa Smile

  • 29 posts
  • # 114259

Hi Leisa,

 

wow you have done a lot int he world of accounting and may i say good for you for your future dreams. Sorry i thought you had completed level 3 and had started your own practice.

I have just submitted my B1 Mock paper for marking, it is the 2nd time as the first one i submitted i obviously not reading the questions or paying attention to detail i think is the correct term...lol.

 

Like you i have signed up for the lot and have paid upfornt so have to go through with it regardless, but i have to say i am enjoying it so far. I do like to be challenged and i have a need to learn something new each day.

Where in Bournemouth are you, i am in Charminster, just moved there from Holdenhurst village. The need for a bigger house due to growing family was the catalyst. I came from Austria in 2005 when i met my wife who was on holiday there, although i am originally from Liverpool, a long long time ago. I left there when i was 16 and became a sailor/chef for the next 20 years, then i moved to Austria and became a ski instructor.

Now i have 2 gorgeous kids who have come to me late in life and i love it. They keep me young.

Thanks for your offer of help, its good to know there are still people out there who can/will help others.

I really appreciate it.

 

Take care for now

 

Regards Steve

  • 21 posts
  • # 114303

Hi Steve

I'm not far from you in Victoria Park.  (And have lived in Charminster before this.)

Some background info on me.....born and bred here although did go to boarding school in Shropshhire for a few years. ( I was a gymnast for many years competing for GB and needed to be near Lilleshall National Sports Centre ).

I have always worked in accounts .... well i tell a lie... my first job was an admin clerk and I left to work in accounts ...my bully boss at the time said I would never make it as I "couldn't even photocopy a batch of reports properly"  Undecided ... that spurred me on to do my exams!

I am now 46, married with two grown up daughters.  

I did my BA4 exam today ..... was hard!  Its difficult working and studying.  Good luck with your studies and if you need any help I'm just down the road!

Speak soon.

Smile

Leisa

 

  • 29 posts
  • # 114323

Hi both, i am very happy and proud to say i scored 95% in my B1 paper. Onwards and upwards i say.

  • Fellow
  • 14 posts
  • # 114325

Hello All, I don't usually get too involved in forums or regional meetings.  I just came across this whilst browsing the ICB site for somethin else so thought I'd 'introduce myself.' I have been an ICB member in private practice since 2008 and currently live in Sturminster Marshall with clients across Bournemouth & Poole.

  • 29 posts
  • # 114329

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  • 29 posts
  • # 114335

Hi KBS, welcome to this little section of the forum. I hope you are well. My intenmtion in the far distant future is to be where you are and be working for myself, but as i say thats  along way off just now. I am studying at home via Ideal Schools and have just completed my B1 successfully i might add...lol

I have just sent in my mock B2 paper whic i fear will not be as successful as my B1 but hey ho, we live and learn.

Do you have any advice for a novice?

 

May i wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Brillient New Year.

 

Kind regards

 

Steve

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  • 14 posts
  • # 114675

Hi there all.

 

Just stumbled across this post when passing time as an avoidance tactic. 

 

Steve, I hope that the studies are going well.  I too studies with Ideal Schools and found the support excellent.  I started studies last February and completed Levels 2, 3, 4, Self-Assessment Taxation and Payroll last year.  If you need help, let me know.  I too am based in Bournemouth in Windham Road.

Hi Leisa, hope your studies are going well too. 

 

With the ICB exams, read the questions carefully.  I sometimes tended to overanalyse and think that the ICB were out to trip me out, which it turned out, they weren't!

 

I have my practice licence and now trying to work out tactics on finding clients!

 

Best wishes

 

Ken

  • 21 posts
  • # 114682

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Edited at 16 Feb 2017 11:41 AM GMT

  • 21 posts
  • # 114683

Leisa said:

Hi Ken

Good to hear from another Bournemouth bookkeeper! Thats 3 of us in close proximity!  Do you have any clients yet? 

I am about to take my BA7 - tomorrow in fact!  Very nervous!  Any tips you can give me?

Thanks

Leisa 


 

  • 29 posts
  • # 114685

Hi Ken and Leisa,

Hope you are both well.

How odd that my tutor is called Leisa also.

I have just taken my Mock B3 and waiting for my score, hopefully it will be enough to give me the confidence to go for the exam.

Have either of you been to any of the ICB meetings? I know the next one is on the Isle of Wight, i would like to go to one but the IOW is a bit too far for me, hopefully they will have one a bit closer to home in the near future.

Anyway, i will let you know how i get on with my results.

Take care

Steve

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  • 14 posts
  • # 114687

Hi Leisa

 

I think BA7 was the first exam I really panicked about as the thought of having to take the exam at an external centre was un-nerving, especially after reading some of the accounts of peoples experience.  However, I found the centre fine (I went to Weymouth as the slots were sooner than the more local centres).  I took my own calculator, as the instructions said I could, which I was was allowed to use for the BA7 but not when I took the ABA9.  I did complain about this, as have other students to hopefully they have changed it back to being allowed to use your own claculator.

 

You are given wipe boards to do calculations as you cannot take in paper, pens etc.  These work fine and its like a pad with several boards.  I have heard that some centres only give you a few boards but you can always ask for more. 

 

With the actual exam - take your time!  Read the question and read it again before answering!  Remember to always move the page up on the screen as I almost missed answering a couple of questions as I thought the questions on the screen were the only questions on that page and there was a next button at the top so moved on!  Luckily, I went back and caught it!

 

Double check your answers before you move on to the next.  I found that for the BA7, there was plenty of time to answer the questions, check your answers and then go back and double check at the end.  I think I still finished 20 minutes early!

 

How many mocks have you done?  I did the 2 available ones and the answers I got wrong, went over and over them so that I wouldn't make the mistake again.

 

As a finishing note, I did find the BA7 easier than the BA6!   Good luck with it tomorrow.  I am sure you will be fine :-)

 

Best wishes

 

Ken

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  • 14 posts
  • # 114688

Hi Steve

 

Hope the B3 mock is a good result.  Leisa is a fantastic tutor and responded with a great deal of patience to the number of questions I emailed her!

The B3 exam wasn't too bad and I seem to remember you have 3 weeks to complete it in.  Just make sure you know how to access all the reports you need to submit.  The waiting was the hardest bit for me.  I sent it in around Easter last year and it took over 3 weeks to get the result!  However, they tend to be a lot quicker. 

 

I haven't attended a branch meeting yet.  To be honest, I have been a bit nervous and the nearest one (bar the Isle of Wight) is Fareham.  I have decided to bite the bullet this year and start attending, but, so far this year, there have been no dates issued for Fareham.  I am away a week in April so its bound to be then!!  Luckily I have family in Fareham and Portsmouth so will probably tie in a visit with attending a meeting.

 

Hopfully I will learn skills on winning clients from other successful bookkeepers!

 

Regards

Ken

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  • 14 posts
  • # 114693

Hi, to my shame i've not been keeping up to date with the posts here but noticed some emails today so thought I'd chip in.  There are form meeting in Bournemouth from time to time and regularly in Salsbury.  Usually invites are sent out for these.  However, as this group seems to be growing it might be an idea for us to meet up at a Costa's or somewhere just to meet and share experience.  If you think that this would be worthwhile, reply to this post or email me at kbskerr@btinternet.com

Best wishes with exams etc.

Tom

  • 21 posts
  • # 114697

Hi all

 

Nice to meet you Tom!  Our group is growing!

 

I am pleased to say I passed BA7 this morning!  Very very happy.  Thanks for your advice Ken.  I did do the two ICB mocks and was pleased to see that the real exam format was almost identical to them.   I had to guess a couple of one markers but other than that I think it went well. Laughing  Not sure when we find out the % though.

 

Keep going Steve, it sounds like you are doing just fine!   Try not to do as i did though and take a break for 3 months after finishing level 2!  

 

I have not been to any meetings as yet and would like to get involved this year... maybe we can lift share .... 

I'm off to apply for my practice licence Smile and work out how to find some clients !

 

Bye folks

Leisa

 

 

 

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  • 14 posts
  • # 114698

Congratulations Leisa. 

 

ICB used to update results on the site about 11pm so your actual mark should be under results then 😃😃

 

Well done again. Fabulous news 😃

  • 21 posts
  • # 114704

Thanks Ken - 94% Laughing

  • 17 posts
  • # 114708

Hi all, another one from Bournemouth here!

I registered last week and am just waiting for my first book to arrive. I've been a stay at home mum for almost 4 years now (was previously a management accountant, AAT qualified) and have been keeping an eye out for part time jobs at that level but they rarely come up, so thought I'd try the self employed bookkeeper route. 

Hoping to get through the exams pretty quick as looking through the syllabus the only thing I haven't covered in the past is CIS - those that have done exams, how long do you typically spend on each level?

Anyway, would definitely be up for local meet ups as I was disappointed to see there isn't a branch local to Bournemouth. 

Hope you're all having a good weekend

Karen

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  • 14 posts
  • # 114711

Hi Leisa

 

94% is a fabulous result.  Congratulations.  I just noticed that you asked me if I had any clients yet.  The answer is no.  I have had my licence since last September but concentrated on Level 4 and Payroll (with the aim of starting to look for clients).  However, I also had a lapse of confidence which caused me to not do anything towards finding clients. However, am now a little more focused so trying to get some sort of strategy together in my head!

Tom, meeting up at Costa's or somewhere similar sounds like a great idea (maybe the start of a Bournemouth group lol!)

 

Hi Karen.  Who are you studying with?  I studied with Ideal Schools.  I am sure that, as you are AAT qualified, you will fly through it.  Level 2 took me about 2 months, but some of that time was taken up waiting for B3 to be marked.  Level 3 I completed in about 2 months.  However, I was able to spend a lot of time studying and I supposed the amount of time it takes to do is dependent on the organisation you study with and what they expect you to do prior to taking exams.  Also, I had to wait a couple of weeks to take the BA7 exam as this is external and you have to book a space at a centre.

Good luck and welcome to this expanding forum. 

 

Hope you all had a good weekend.

 

All the best

 

Ken

 

  • 21 posts
  • # 114712

Hi Karen

Welcome!  Nice to have another female in our "Bournemouth group" Smile . Whereabouts do you live?  You should sail through if you have done AAT.  I did AAT too and 3 stages of CIMA but it was about 25 years ago so I felt like I needed refreshing!  I have found this course to be exactly what I needed to feel confident about setting up as a self employed bookkeeper.  I too have been working as a management accountant and felt a bit out of touch as to what actually is required of a bookkeeper.... so have found this course extremely useful.  I am studying with Training Link - I can highly recommend them.  I spent i think around 3 months doing level 2 last year and then stupidly took a break and didnt start again until September 16. I have just finished level 3 and starting level 4, so if you put your mind to it it shouldnt take too long.   Good Luck!!

 

Hi Ken

I'm glad I'm not the only one with a confidence issue!  I think my worry is that I don't really have any software experience , only Sage 50 whist studying these exams.  I know nothing about Xero or Quickbooks etc.  I also have no idea which software would be best if say a client came to me and asked me to set them up on a computerised system.  I am starting level 4 this week and am also doing the payroll and self assessment.   I imagine that most sole traders would only want a bookkeeper to do their self assessments but hopefully I am wrong!  I am applying fo rmy licence now and then really need to work out how to get some clients.  Its very daunting !

 

Anyway would love to meet up with you all sometime..Smile

 

Leisa 

  • 17 posts
  • # 114713

Thanks for the warm welcome!

 

Ken - I'm not using a training provider, just buying the books and revision kits direct from ICB. I did have a chat with them over the phone and they said having done AAT i should be ok doing it like that.... but we'll see! (Will make a note of Ideal Schools in case I need the extra support!). Wow, you really flew through those exams! But as you said it depends on the support and how much time you can dedicate to studying. My children are 2 and 4 so although my intentions are there the reality is I probably won't get much time to study!

 

Leisa - I'm in Littledown, close to the football stadium so pretty close to a few of you. Totally get you about needing a refresher! The knowledge is probably still in the back of my head somewhere, but after 4 years off my work my brain has pretty much turned to mush! At first I got a bit excited as I thought I could become a member by exemption, so was really peeved when ICB said I couldn't (AAT was 2009 and no recent work experience) but I'm glad I have to take the exams now as I can't imagine setting up in practice without re-learning it all.

Smile

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  • 14 posts
  • # 114716

I'm in Sturminster Marshall which is a bit ourt of the way for most - So ... if anyone is interested in meeting over a coffee in Poole or Bournemouth maybe you can suggest a date & time preferably before the nexr round of VAT returns, year ends etc at the end of MArch.

Regards,

Tom 

  • 29 posts
  • # 114717

Hi all,

Well i am obviously the newbie to this finance malarky...lol so it would be great for me to observe and learn from your massive knowledge banks/brians.

I have just taken my Mock B3 and am booking the exam today, apparently i have 2 weeks to finish it, which is a bit long isnt it? I had better make sure i get it all right as i need 100% to gain a distinction for the complete level 2.

I am up for meeting in Poole or Bournemouth or Salisbury for that matter, i can always give someone a lift if one is needed.

I am based in Charminster in Bournemouth, but can be found every Saturday morning at Littledown as i manage a football team of 7 & 8 year olds.

Karen i know what you mean about finding the time to study, my kids are 7 and 2. I am lucky in a way as most of the month i am not too busy in work so i can do it then, but it is impossible at home. I started Level 2 at the beginning of November and should complete by the end of February, all being well. so 4 months for me is quick considering i had no knowledge of finance whatsoever. I hope to do Level 3 in the same amout of time, and the same of Level 4. I then have a free course offered by Ideal schools which i have heard is quite a quick one. Hopefully i will have it all done by the end of the year.

I too hope to set up my own practice, and have my first 2 customers on board for when/if i qualify. I also have a friend who has their own bookkeeping business who said she will throw some work my way when she is too busy, fingers crossed on that one.

Anyway, i hope you all have a good week.

Regards

Steve

  • 29 posts
  • # 114891

Morning all, i have a company looking for a bookekeeper, see details below, they fitted my shutters and send me emails now and again and are now looking for someone to do their books. Anyone interested? They are Bournemouth based.

 

Please email simon@justshutters.co.uk for more information.

 

A whiz with numbers...

 

We are looking for a new bookkeeper to take great care of our growing business' needs. 

 

We are looking for that special someone to join our friendly team. We require a competent cloud based bookkeeping service, we envisage one day a week spent on site with us at our Head Office in Southbourne; additional work would be carried out remotely.

 

Our perfect candidate must be able to provide a full set of reconciled Accounts consistently on a regular and timely basis. Payroll experience would also be valuable.

 

A competitive rate is offered for the right person.

 

Please email simon@justshutters.co.uk for more information.

 

  • 21 posts
  • # 114892

Hi Steve

Thanks for this.  I have emailed them but sadly I think my lack of payroll knowledge and cloud based software will go against me. 

But you never know !!

Laughing

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  • 14 posts
  • # 114911

Fingers crossed for you Leisa.

 

Am still interested in meeting up some time.  Maybe towards the end of April as this year seems to be passing way too fast!

 

All the best

 

Ken

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  • 14 posts
  • # 114914

Ken James said:

Fingers crossed for you Leisa.

 

Am still interested in meeting up some time.  Maybe towards the end of April as this year seems to be passing way too fast!

 

All the best

 

Ken


 I agree Ken but with year end looming it amy have to be very soon or late April. early May.  Any takers?

  • Member PM.Dip
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  • 14 posts
  • # 114920

Hi there

 

I think May would be a good time to aim at for a meet if that's good with others.

 

My personal email is kennethmjames@hotmail.com.

 

Hope all is going well with each of you.

 

All the best

 

Ken

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  • 14 posts
  • # 114926

Sounds good to me Ken, how about Thursday 4th May in Bournemouth - I'm sure there must be a Costa there somewhere!

I can be contacted at kbskerr@btinternet.com

Regards to all

Tom

  • 29 posts
  • # 114927

Hi all, I can only make coffee if it is after 3.45pm as i am in full time employment, if you can do it after that time then fab, if not, no worries, carry on without me.

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  • # 114987

Apoogies for the delay. Have had a strange couple of weeks!

 

May 4th still good if people are free and after 3.45pm works too.

 

Let me know if things are good to go!

 

All the best

 

Ken

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  • 14 posts
  • # 114990

STill okay for me ken. Do you have anywhere in mind?

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  • 14 posts
  • # 114994

KBS said:

“STill okay for me ken. Do you have anywhere in mind?”

Can do Costa's in either Poole or Bournemouth.  You have the further distance to travel.  Not sure if anyone else will be coming this time, but if so, they may have a preference.  I am happy with any location.

All the best

Ken

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  • 33 posts
  • # 114995

Hi All,

 

Only just seen this, as I have to admit I do not look at the Forum too often.

 

I cannot do Thursday afternoons as I volunteer at Bournemouth Hospital with my PAT dog.

 

Although I could do evening meetings.

 

Sometimes, when i meet up with friends, we find The Elm Tree at Ringwood a "central" place for people to meet.

 

Perhaps you could set up a closed Facebook page (like ICB Wiltshire has), and that could be another way to communicate.

 

Hope to meet up with you all soon.

 

Valerie

  • 30 posts
  • # 114997

Hello there,

I am not in Bournemouth I am in Southampton. I have just passed my B3 with merit but unfortunately failed my BA4 as it is so much different from the mocks.

I decided to take my ICB after I had been told I am now in remission from Cancer. I do find it hard sometimes due to the medications affecting my memory, but like you all I will get there.....eventually :)

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  • 14 posts
  • # 114998

Hi Valerie

Both ideas sound great to me. Hopefully the others will comment, but I personally think the more the merrier.

Welcome Cuffie.  Good to hear your positive news.  BA4 knocked my confidence when I first did the mocks.  Did you pay for the ICB ones?  Although I failed the first mock, I went over it again and again, to ensure that the areas I slipped up on were well and truly lodged in my brain!  However, I can understand the impact that medication can have on memory and concentration.  And as you said, you will get there!

All the best

 

Ken

  • Fellow
  • 14 posts
  • # 114999

I'm with Ken on this one.  The more ways we have of staying in touch the better it will be for all of us.

Re meeting up on May 4th, can i suggest Costa in Poole at 4:00pm?  I have a 3:00pm appointment in Wareham so would find it difficult to get to Bournemouth in time on this occasion.

Regards to all

Tom

  • 17 posts
  • # 115002

Hi all, sorry - been meaning to reply but it doesn't let me on my phone!

 

Its my daughters birthday that day so won't be able to make this one I'm afraid, but will definately be up for any future meet ups. Good to hear you're in remission Cuffie, it's hard enough remembering everything anyway, let alone having that to deal with that as well

 

All the best and hopefully meet you all next time

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